FOOD 101: Vanilla Vs. French Vanilla

A reader writes: What’s the difference between vanilla and French vanilla? Simply this: Vanilla is the flavoring made from the vanilla bean Vanilla beans themselves are identified in the trade by origin: Indonesian, Madagascar (Bourbon), Mexican, Tahitian, etc. (see the different types (origins) of vanilla beans). Vanilla ice cream without eggs is called Philadelphia-style ice…
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The Different Types Of Rum & The History Of Rum For National Rum Day

August 16th is National Rum Day. Rum can be a confusing spirit for the everyday consumer. What’s silver versus white rum? What’s silver versus gold rum? Which one should you use for a rum cocktail? It starts with distilling molasses.     A BRIEF HISTORY OF RUM Sugar cane grew wild in parts of Southeast…
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FOOD FUN: Alcohol & Gummy Candy

[1] Champagne with gummy bears. [2] Mojito with a gummy worm garnish—although a Mezcal drink might make more sense with the worms (photos 1 and 2 courtesy Monarch Rooftop). [3] Gummies slithering in a Tequila Sunrise (photo courtesy Drinking In America).   Search for “adult gummies” and you’ll turn up bottles and bottles of nutritional…
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RECIPE: Atlantic Beach Pie, A Spin On Lemon Meringue Pie

[1] A slice of classic lemon meringue pie (photo courtesy IncredibleEgg.org). [2] The Atlantic Beach Pie variation substitutes a crunchy saltine crust (photo courtesy Crook’s Corner | Our State magazine). [3] You can never have too much meringue (photo courtesy McCormick; here’s the recipe). [4] Chess pie is a lemon custard pie baked in an…
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FOOD HOLIDAY: Recipes For National Creamsicle Day

[1] How about a Creamsicle cheesecake for National Creamsicle Day? Here’s the recipe (photo © Sweet Street Desserts). [2] This recipe from Cook’s Country layers the cake, sherbet and ice cream in a springform pan lined with lady fingers (photo © Cook’s Country). [3] Prefer a drink? Try a Creamsicle shake or cocktail (photo courtesy…
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